What are some nice looking cheap Panini base/insert cards?

[WillC]

I'm bored and want to spend some money :)!

I generally avoid Panini cards like the plague but, given the high volume of cards they pump out each month, the law of averages suggests that even Panini must get it right occasionally :D

What would you recommend? Which Panini base cards pass the eye test? What about any aesthetically pleasing inserts? Or maybe an underrated autograph set?

Note: I'm only interested in beautiful cards (which I realise is subjective). For me, the font, colour, background, photo, card stock... everything has to be just right.

I thought this could be a fun way to unearth some hidden gems.

[kingofsnake]

Will, I think Spectra is very underrated, particularly the earlier years. The base set was fairly low numbered and Panini really knows how to do colors - especially Golds. I would also suggest the earlier Panini Noir when they were using acetate for base.

[drobfan8]

12/13 Immac is pretty tough to beat for me. They are quite scarce even being /99

Another I like is Noir.

As much as we can whine about Panini, there's a lot of quality in some of their stuff with loads of room to see some up arrows.

[ballhawkdawk]

I really like the 2017-18 Noir base set and the Home/Away theme where the team logo is half on each card. I think the base is /79. I'm trying to grab all three 76ers in the gold /25 version (Embiid/Simmons/Fultz). The base /79 are relatively inexpensive.

There are a ton of nice mid to low end inserts. Panini catches a lot of flack for using pictures of players dribbling, but there are plenty of insert sets and base variants with cool action poses. 2017-18 Court Kings Points in the Paint is super cheap and uses really cool shots (just grabbed an Embiid for like $2). Essentials Swing Kings is also cheap (grabbed Klay/Steph for $5). A few sets that are a little pricier are Essentials License to Dominate, Essentials Rock the Rim (seems to be very well-liked amongst fellow BO members), Crown Royale Pacific Marquee, Crown Royale Power in the Paint. I dig the Downtown inserts from Cornerstones, formerly From Downtown in Studio, but they are a little pricier ($100+ for the top tier players, with rookies like Tatum and Mitchell in the $400+ range).

[theLUCKYshow]

Essentials has a great looking base set (think flair showcase), and a #d /99 parallel that has good value. Essentials also has Rock the Rim which is a nice insert at an attractive price point.

Revolution also has a nice and shiny looking base set that's super cheap. Revolution has Liftoff which is similar to Rock the Rim (cooler looking but greater print run) at half the price.

[sotexcollector]

Will, I think Spectra is very underrated, particularly the earlier years. The base set was fairly low numbered and Panini really knows how to do colors - especially Golds. I would also suggest the earlier Panini Noir when they were using acetate for base.

I tend to agree. Spectra is very underrated . I like last years spectra neon green die cut inserts. I like the idea that they are numbered to 25 and are becoming very scarce, especially star players.


https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4549/38209015285_012ddf07de_c.jpg

[bullrose23]

EDIT: SORRY DIDNT CATCH THE WORD CHEAP IN THE TITLE. SOME OF THESE ARE PRICEY CAUSE THEY DONT POP UP OFTEN


hey Will

I know Panini gets some hate on here ( some justified, some not )


but these are a few of my favorite
sorry, no inserts all Autos cause that's what I mostly collect :):)

I love these sets for the overall look, the picture used and nice bold blue autos


MODERN MARKS
https://photos.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-TDc6rmD/0/752ed7f4/S/101-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-TDc6rmD/A)https://photos.smugmug.com/BULLS-AUTOGRAPHS/i-mwVQsfN/0/efdce1e9/S/1-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/BULLS-AUTOGRAPHS/i-mwVQsfN/A)

HALL OF FAME MONIKERS
https://photos.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-XQPZzcq/0/604447c6/S/3-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-XQPZzcq/A)https://photos.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-bJpjvq9/0/45b84b18/S/6-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-bJpjvq9/A)

PRIVATE SIGNINGS
https://photos.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-mvNkBFT/0/4c339537/S/10-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-mvNkBFT/A)https://photos.smugmug.com/Chicago-bulls-PC/i-QxbsCK6/0/eb697170/S/17-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/Chicago-bulls-PC/i-QxbsCK6/A)
https://photos.smugmug.com/BULLS-AUTOGRAPHS/i-zchrW8x/0/2af85aff/S/128-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/BULLS-AUTOGRAPHS/i-zchrW8x/A)

AND A FEW OTHERS
https://photos.smugmug.com/Chicago-bulls-PC/i-ZPXXSSW/0/48176ccc/S/14-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/Chicago-bulls-PC/i-ZPXXSSW/A)https://photos.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-J8dk8XT/0/b83c27cc/S/38-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-J8dk8XT/A)https://photos.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-XjmZQqm/0/7e89883e/S/81-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-XjmZQqm/A)
https://photos.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-jj5MsXq/0/7c593bbd/S/37-S.jpg (https://chicagobullspc.smugmug.com/50-GREATEST/i-jj5MsXq/A)

[mc1]

I really like 16-17 Studio. The photography, card stock and font were all good. I've only opened a few packs but it is one of the only products besides Optic/Prizm Id ever consider busting by the case.

Try to get ahold of some packs or a lot of base to determine if it's something you'd like to collect.

[therocket]

I like the inserts in studio from last year. Rock Solid is a 90’’ type insert that’s cheaper aside from Kobe and Lebron and maybe another.

[ThoseBackPages]

i guess one must define "cheap" lol

lots of nice NON-cheap cards shown here!

[ThoseBackPages]

i would also nominate Studio. such a shame they didnt bring it back for the '17 class

[WillC]

EDIT: SORRY DIDNT CATCH THE WORD CHEAP IN THE TITLE. SOME OF THESE ARE PRICEY CAUSE THEY DONT POP UP OFTEN

Thanks Andy - good to hear from you. My only reason for asking for cheaper cards is because I'm already familiar with most of Panini's more costly offerings, e.g. the ones you posted (which are all very nice). I'm curious if there are any hidden gems that have gone under the radar. Some great suggestions so far in this thread! Keep them coming.

[ballhawkdawk]

I like the inserts in studio from last year. Rock Solid is a 90’’ type insert that’s cheaper aside from Kobe and Lebron and maybe another.

Good call. I really dig those. Set is mostly limited to guys who go hard in the paint, which can be a detractor if you’re looking for a well rounded set that includes guards.

[ballhawkdawk]

i guess one must define "cheap" lol

lots of nice NON-cheap cards shown here!

This is true. For some collectors the average card in their PC is four figures, so everything in my collection is cheap to them.

[ThoseBackPages]

This is true. For some collectors the average card in their PC is four figures, so everything in my collection is cheap to them.

exactly!

for me, the "cheap" cap is $10

Defying Gravity from Studio comes to mind

[WillC]

You're right, everyone defines "cheap" differently, whether it's $1, $10 or $50. Anything along those lines would be fine. But obviously if it's over $100 then I don't think anyone would call that "cheap".

I just want to see some beautiful cards. Let's not worry too much about the value :)

[ThoseBackPages]

here are some cheap Brons that i enjoy

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1849/42474388300_5d77fee428_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1883/43376355915_5891419fc5_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/42474386720_f73e760b69_c.jpg

[splum]

I think the Revolution Liftoff die cuts are completely insane looking in both the best and the worst way. They are probably a little underrated but not in galactic foil form.

edit: woah great timing! ^^^

[theLUCKYshow]

here are some cheap Brons that i enjoy

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1849/42474388300_5d77fee428_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1883/43376355915_5891419fc5_c.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1894/42474386720_f73e760b69_c.jpg

Love them all!

[WillC]

Good work, ThoseBackPages.

[ballhawkdawk]

That Defying Gravity set is gorgeous.

[CardBoard4Life]

I like Die-Cut inserts and Case Hit inserts of Simmons, Bron, Kobe, etc.

[Beavers98]

Some good suggestions.
One I liked putting together that I get out and look at that's pretty cheap (actually very) is 11-12 Past and Present Fireworks. Looks really cool in hand.

[splum]

Another set worth a look is Phenomenons from this years Select. They’re a bit on the expensive side because it’s mostly rookies and second year players but the prizm and gold variations look great. I could’ve sworn I had more than just these but here’s two of the prizms I’ve pulled

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180826/9d0e7badcd877b7a3daf79c0c429362e.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[kb 24]

Some that I completed, so I like:

2014-15 Court Kings - Rookie Royalty, showcased in their rookie season
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4669/25119368697_c0e8f84d7b_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EgHkaK)


2012-13 Marquee Slam Dunk Legends Swirlorama, in-action shiny photos
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4608/38924362525_520289d089_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22iBwSH)


2009-10 Panini Classics, nice color combinations
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4775/26114007307_d2a95c4185_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FMB7zi)

[DaaaaBears]

2015-16 Donruss status and aspirations die cuts r cheap as Wild Irish Rose, but, won't make you throw up or get arrested probably